HB611 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Steve McMillan
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Baldwin Co., toll road and bridge authority, toll road from Beach Express to I-65, incorp. of authority, powers, issuance of revenue bonds
Summary: HB611 creates the Baldwin County Toll Road and Bridge Authority to build and operate a toll road from the Baldwin Beach Express to I-65, funded by revenue bonds.
What This Bill Does
The bill establishes a new public corporation called The Baldwin County Toll Road and Bridge Authority – Baldwin Beach Express to Interstate 65 Project. It gives the authority power to acquire land, design, construct, operate, regulate, and maintain the toll road, including the use of eminent domain, and to set and collect tolls and fees. It authorizes the issuance of revenue bonds to fund the project, with debt repaid from tolls and other project revenues, and allows contracts with private and public partners while excluding the project from many taxes. It also creates a governance structure (board and officers), provides for audits, and grants wide authority to enter into agreements and manage the project, while stating bonds do not constitute state or local debt.

Who It Affects
Local residents and travelers in Baldwin County who would use the new toll road and be subject to tolls, traffic rules, and enforcement on the project.
Bondholders, investors, banks, and insurance companies that would purchase and hold the authority's revenue bonds, with bondholder protections and tax and investment exemptions.

Key Provisions
Section 1 establishes the Authority and defines the Project as the toll road connecting Baldwin Beach Express to I-65, including related properties and facilities.
Section 2 creates the Certificate of Incorporation, including name, duration, principal office, and board structure required for the Authority.
Section 6 gives the Authority broad powers, including regulating the project, issuing bonds, entering contracts (including design-build arrangements), and receiving funds or aid from government entities or private parties.
Section 16 grants the Authority authority to set, collect, and adjust tolls and to ensure toll revenue is used to support bond payments, with tolls continuing until bonds are retired.
Section 18 provides tax exemptions for the project, the Authority, and related activities, and allows the Department of Revenue to issue exemption certificates for construction materials.
Section 19 and beyond establish bond-related provisions, including form, negotiation, trust arrangements, investment considerations, and bondholder rights; and Section 21 confirms the Authority as a non-profit public corporation.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Baldwin County